According to a recent report by the FrenchNational Public Health Agency, PM2.5 fine particles kill nearly 48,000 people every year.

Fine particle pollution has become the third leading cause of death in France, after tobacco and alcohol. These airborne particles are generated byindustry, fossil fuel heating, agriculture, and the transport of people and goods. The latter sector alone accounts for over 30% of fine particle emissions, and is therefore largely responsible for the deterioration in air quality.

Emissions of fine particles in urban areas, where road traffic, particularly freight traffic, is more intense, naturally have a greater impact on the population than those emitted in sparsely populated rural areas. The proportion of premature deaths (up to two years less life expectancy) is consequently higher in cities. Small and medium-sized agglomerations are not spared either, as air pollution is also generated by the industrial and agricultural activities surrounding these areas. These populations are subject to values in excess of 14 µg/m3, but this is nothing compared with cities, where levels can reach 80µg/m3 during pollution peaks. These emissions, with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, are responsible for 9% of annual mortality in France.

For several months now, local authorities and institutions have been paying particular attention to fine particles. These are produced not only by fuel combustion, but also by braking systems and, to a not inconsiderable extent, by the rolling of tires.

Intensify our efforts to reduce emissions: nearly 17,000 people saved every year!

This objective can be achieved by increasing measures to comply with the thresholds defined by the WHO and the Grenelle Environment Forum, and by tightening controls and standards in the event of pollution peaks to protect urban residents. Solutions also involveeco-driving training, technological innovation such as EURO V and EURO VI trucks, alternative fuels and energies...

But to reduce the health and environmental impact of fine particles, the first step is to start measuring them. The pollutant and particle calculator proposed by the TK'Blue agency enables carriers and shippers to visualize online the real impact of different choices of transport mode and vehicle, and thus recommend sensible logistics solutions. This will ultimately help the community by reducing the number of deaths attributable to fine particles.